The IRD and Ophthalmic Genetics Fellowship is a specialized one-year training program offering immersive experience in inherited retinal and congenital ocular diseases. Fellows receive exceptional exposure to both pediatric and adult patients, gaining expertise in clinical diagnosis, electrophysiology, advanced retinal imaging, and ophthalmic genetics.

A distinguishing feature of this fellowship is its unique integration of medical retina, pediatric retina, and pediatric inherited retinal disease (IRD) training. With a diverse patient population spanning infancy through adulthood, fellows gain rare hands-on experience managing hereditary retinal and congenital ocular conditions across all stages of life.

Under the mentorship of experienced IRD specialists, fellows develop advanced clinical and diagnostic skills while participating in cutting-edge research initiatives. The program includes dedicated research time, opportunities for national presentations, exposure to clinical trials and gene therapy procedures, and involvement in translational and laboratory-based IRD research.

Through this comprehensive experience, fellows are equipped to become future leaders advancing the care, research, and treatment of inherited retinal diseases.

• Genetic Counselor: Jordan Lehman, MS
• Electrophysiology Technician: Marina Kedrov
• Pediatric Imaging: Keely Roberson
• Research Fellows: Cesar Estrada-Puente, MD and Paula Morales-Moreno, MD
• Clinical Research Unit Manager: Sarah Jones
• Fellowship Staff Assistant: Kayla Taylor, kayla.taylor@duke.edu

View IRD Fellowship Syllabus

• 2021-2022: Oleg Alekseev, MD, PhD
• 2022-2023: Aanal Vyas, MD
• 2023-2024: Kubra Sarici, MD
• 2024-2025: Yavuz Cakir, MD

Applicants should apply via SFMatch. The deadline is October 31^st, and interviews are scheduled in late November / early December. The program is limited to one fellow per year, to ensure a focused and personalized learning experience.

• Successful completion of Ophthalmology residency at an ACGME-accredited ophthalmology program
• Eligible to obtain a North Carolina medical license
• Currently, we do not sponsor visas

Thursday Rotation Detail:

1st & 3rd Thursdays: Pediatric IRD Clinic (Maldonado, Pediatric Clinic)

2nd & 4th Thursdays: Adult IRD Clinic (Maldonado)

Friday Rotation Detail:

1st Friday: Operating Room (EUA, injections, lasers)

All other Fridays: Research / Administrative Time

Footnote:

Fellows will also attend Grand Rounds, Visiting Professor Lectures, and additional didactic conferences as part of their training.